Editor's note: the name of the incumbent candidate is italicized, while the candidate we're endorsing is in bold.

SENATE

James Inhofe (R)

Andrew Rice (D)

Inhofe believes that 9/11 was divine retribution. He believes that our Middle East policy should be based on the text of the Bible. He denies the science behind global warming. Doesn't like students. Doesn't care for poor people. Hates government. Like Jesse Helms, without the charm. We made a mistake on our "10 Worst" list: Inhofe stands alone as the worst member of Congress.Esquire endorses: Rice

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Congressional District 1

John Sullivan (R)

Georgianna Oliver (D)

Incumbent Sullivan is a hard-right doctrinaire and hasn't wavered in his unquestioning support of the White House across this presidency. His opponent has managed to run a successful business and seems to have cultivated a mature understanding of civic duty.Esquire endorses: Oliver

District 2

Raymond Wickson (R)

Dan Boren (D)

Boren is one of the most conservative Democrats and a real throwback to earlier versions of his party. Fiscally tight, he's also interventionist when it comes to foreign policy, making him a swing vote on the respective issues of taxation and the Iraq war.Esquire endorses: Boren

Lucas is innovative and independent-minded, and his policies on everything from land use (he's a rancher) to personal privacy (he opposed the 2006 Patriot Act renewal) reflect his district's values and his own roots.Esquire endorses: Lucas

District 4

Tom Cole (R)

Blake Cummings (D)

Earlier this year, the GOP House Election Campaign Committee put out the word that "there are no safe Republican seats" this year. Cole should know: He's the committee chairman. But Cole himself has always been steady on.Esquire endorses: Cole

District 5

Mary Fallin (R)

Bert Smith (D)

"Faith, Family, and Freedom." Despite this empty election slogan, Fallin, who is new to this seat, brings an impressive rec-ord as a three-term lieutenant governor. Perhaps now she can get past the posturing and put her experience to good use.Esquire endorses: Fallin